Herbs
For Health And Happiness
Disclaimer and Legal Notices
While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher
assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter
contained herein.
The publication is produced for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for use as a
source of any advice such as legal, medical, or therapeutic. The publisher wishes to stress that
the information contained herein may be subject to varying international, federal, state and/or
local laws or regulations. The purchaser or reader of this publication assumes all responsibility
for the use of these materials and information. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations,
including international, federal, state and local, governing all aspects of life in any jurisdiction is
the sole responsibility of the purchaser or reader. Neither the author nor the publisher assume
any responsibility or liability whatsoever on behalf of any purchaser or reader of these materials.
Any perceived slight of any person or organization is completely unintentional.
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
1. The History Of Herbs ………………………………………………………………………….. 3
2. Your Own Herb Garden ………………………………………………………………………. 6
3. Harvesting And Storing Your Herbs ………………………………………………….. 12
Drying Herbs …………………………………………………………………………………. 13
Freezing Herbs …………………………………………………………………………….. 15
4. Cooking With Herbs ……………………………………………………………………………. 17
5. Medicinal Properties of Herbs …………………………………………………………… 20
Preparation Of Remedies …………………………………………………………….. 23
Remedial Properties Of Each Herb ……………………………………………… 25
Agnus Castus
Aloe Vera
Arnica
Anise
Basil
Black Cohosh
Borage
Buchu Leaf
Caraway
Cayenne
Celery
Celery Seed
Chamomile Flowers
Chickweed
Chicory
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Clove
Comfrey
Cramp Bark
Damiana
Dandelion
Devil's Claw
Dill
2
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Echinacea Root
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginger
Gingko Leaf
Ginseng
Golden Seal
Hawthorn Berry
Horseradish
Hyssop
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Licorice
Lime Flower
Marigold
Milk Thistle
Mint
Mustard
Nutmeg
Oregano
Parsley
Passiflora
Raspberry Leaf
Red Clover
Rosemary
Sage
Slippery Elm
St John's Wort
Tarragon
Tea Tree
Thyme
Tumeric
Valerian
Vervain
Willow Bark
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
6. In Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………… 39
Bibliography And Resources ……………………………………………………………………… 41
3
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. The History Of Herbs
What is a herb? The dictionary says: “a plant whose stem is not
woody, which dies down to the ground after flowering; a plant
whose leaves etc are used for food, medicine, scent or flavor.”
Herbs have been used since the dawn of the human race. Even
before people began to cook on fires, herbs were probably being
harvested and used raw for food or medicinal purposes.
Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians and many other peoples
following an undeveloped way of life all use herbs extensively.
There was a herb for almost every ailment or need. Sometimes they
were used in witchcraft too, although the dividing line between
witchcraft and medicine was often blurred, as in the example of the
‘witch doctor’. Originally, people had no understanding of the
causes of disease such as bacteria, viruses, etc. They believed
sickness was caused by supernatural forces, either evil spirits or
spells placed by other people. Therefore, a person who knew how
to cure sickness was believed to be dealing with evil spirits and
practicing magic. This association persisted even after people began
to understand the biological causes of disease.
In Europe many people who were branded as witches were probably
simple herbal medicine practitioners. Herbal medicine was
4
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
outlawed in many of these countries by governments influenced by
the new ‘scientific’ and male-dominated form of medicine.
Herbs, along with spices, were valuable commodities in trade in
former times. From around 114 BC until 1400 AD, the ‘silk road’ was
used to trade herbs and spices between Europe and Asia. Europeans
imported ginger, cinnamon and other spices, and exported herbs
like sage that were much in demand in Asia for their aromatic and
medicinal properties. This kind of trading led to communication
between civilizations that could be said to form the basis of the
‘world culture’ of today.
Chinese traditional medicine is still today based mainly on the use
of herbs, but in Western culture they did not start to make a serious
comeback for any purpose other than cooking until the 1960s and
1970s, when cultural and ecological movements started to consider
adopting the best features of pre-industrial society in our post-
industrial age.
Most of the well known herbs can easily be grown in a garden.
Because they are mostly small plants, even a very small garden such
as a roof garden is sufficient. Herbs are ancient, natural plants that
grew wild, so they are hardy and resistant to disease when grown in
a soil and climate that is similar to their native region. Many of
them can also be grown indoors.
5
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Of course they are also used to flavor dishes in cooking. Some dishes
and sauces such as pesto and mint sauce are based around one
particular herb. Others, like pumpkin pie and sausages, get most of
their individual flavoring from the blend of herbs that is used.
Herbs have been in our lives, our homes, our gardens and especially
in our kitchens, forever!
6
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Your Own Herb Garden
Many of us have childhood memories of playing in a garden on a
sunny day with the scent of lavender, rosemary and mint
accompanying our every step. Just a whiff of these scents will bring
a wave of nostalgia for childhood summers, fairy tales and times
gone by.
The good news is that we can create our own fairy tale setting right
here and now by planting a herb garden in even the smallest back
yard.
Herbs are natural ‘weeds’ or wild plants and unlike many flowering
plants they have not been bred or mutated into something more
pleasing to the eye. They remain in their original state and as such
they are most often hardy and easy to grow with a natural
resistance to disease. You can avoid using chemical pesticides on
them and if you can do the same with the rest of your garden, you
will have ‘organic’ herbs that you can safely eat when any
superficial dust and insect matter have been washed away.
The location of your herbs is important. They need to be close to
the house where you will constantly see them. Under the kitchen
window is great. This way, you will remember to water them and
you will not have far to go when you need a little flavoring in the
7
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
middle of cooking dinner. Even if it is raining, just a step outside
and you will have your herbs. If they are at the far end of the
garden, on the other hand, they are more likely to be neglected and
unused.
Many herbs are small plants that do not require much space, but
beware of them spreading uncontrollably. Lavender can become
huge hedges, mint can pop up all over your lawn, and many others
will simply grow and grow if they are happy in your garden. Give
them plenty of space and be prepared to control them firmly when
necessary.
Your first decision will be whether to grow your herbs all together
or mix them around the garden with other plants. There is a lot to
be said for having all your herbs within easy reach in one bed, and if
you do this be sure not to make the bed narrow enough that you can
harvest the leaves you need without damaging other plants.
On the other hand, plants in the wild tend to grow with certain
other ‘companion’ plants and if you mimic this by considering
compatibility in planting your herbs, all of your garden may benefit.
Here are some examples:
- Parsley, tomatoes and asparagus is a good combination. Parsley
also grows well with lettuce.
8
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Sage and tarragon are said to grow so well together that you will
have a more intense flavor from both herbs if you mix them rather
than keeping each separate.
- Dill does well with cucumbers. However, do not try to grow dill
with potatoes or cabbage, as they are incompatible.
Many herbs have other helpful properties. Nasturtiums are good
next to fruit trees to keep aphids away. Lavender does the same for
roses. Thyme along the edge of a bed will help to deter snails.
Marigold and borage provide saponins, important nutrients for the
soil.
Herbs are not all leaf. Sage, lavender, borage, feverfew, chamomile
and marigold are all examples of herbs which will flower beautifully
in your garden. If you have plenty of space, you may want to plant
more of these than you need, because they are so attractive.
Of course, you will want to plant smaller growing herbs at the front
of any bed with larger plants behind, both for ease of reach and for
a better display.
Most herbs enjoy a sunny spot although there are exceptions.
However, it is better not to have them in full sun all day, or they
9
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
will mature and turn to seed very quickly. Once they are forming
seeds, all of their goodness and energy goes into the seed so unless
your aim is to produce seeds (e.g. with coriander or pepper) you
should take your main harvest before that happens, while the flavor
and nutrients are still in the leaf (or flowers, with chamomile).
Of course you can also grow herbs in containers. Many will thrive in
a small container. Some, like mint, can be grown in pots buried into
the soil to prevent them spreading uncontrollably. Others grow so
well in pots that containers have been designed specifically for
them – you can grow parsley in a special clay ‘parsley pot’, if you
wish.
If you use wooden containers, be sure they have not been treated
with any damaging chemicals. Anything used in the treatment will
enter the soil, be taken into the plant and eventually end up in your
stomach, so it is worth taking some care with this. If you want to
grow your herbs organically you may prefer to use clay pots.
Be sure that the containers are well drained, because most herbs
like a fairly dry environment. This means having drainage holes on
the underside of the pot, and also placing a layer of large gravel or
similar before you add any soil, to help with drainage. However,
containers do need frequent watering because the soil will not hold
10
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
water as well as in a garden bed. Let them get a little dry right
before harvest to keep the nutrients strong in the leaves.
The next question is which herbs to choose. If you are starting from
zero, do not be tempted to plant too many different herbs. In the
first year it is better just to choose four or five plants that you
know you will use and enjoy. Later, you can add more with the
benefit of experience.
If you are starting your plants from seed, most of them will be best
in seed trays indoors at first. Use at least 2 inches depth of potting
soil. Don’t forget to label them! The trays need to be well watered
and until the seeds have sprouted you can leave them covered to
hold in the moisture. Once shoots appear, they will need light.
However you can replace the lid at night at first, to keep them
warm.
You will probably have a lot of tiny seedlings but do not start to thin
them out until the first real leaves are fully formed. At that point
you can see which are the weaker plants and remove these, to
leave just the strongest ones, preferably about 2 inches apart. As
they grow bigger you can transfer them into individual small
containers.
11
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Start your seeds in the late winter or early spring, and start putting
them outside for a few hours every day before you transplant them
into the garden. They need some warmth in the soil before they are
planted, and they also need to acclimatize to the outside air and
temperature.
Alternatively, if you do not want the trouble of starting your own
seedlings, you can buy small plants that are ready to be planted
outdoors. If they were kept indoors at the store, you will still need
to leave them in their pots for a few days while you acclimatize
them to your garden by putting them out during the day and
bringing them in at night.
Fennel and cilantro are examples of plants that do not like to be
transplanted, so with these it is best to plant the seeds directly
outside.
Once outdoors, herbs will benefit from rich, fertile soil. This means
adding fertilizer or compost at least once a year. Choose an organic
fertilizer if you aim for organically-grown herbs. You can also
collect fallen leaves and spread them over the earth as mulch
during the winter, or dig them into the soil. Dead leaves make
wonderful compost.
12
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Harvesting And Storing Your Herbs
It is a marvelous experience to see your herbs growing in your own
garden or even at the window of your apartment, and then pick
them to use in food or teas. In the early summer, you can take a
few leaves as you need them, but when the time comes for
harvesting larger quantities of leaves you will want to consider how
to keep them to use through the winter until next year’s plants
begin to grow.
Generally, the part of the plant that is most commonly used as a
herb is the leaf. Most plants will stop producing new leaves when
they begin to flower, so to get the biggest crop you should pick
plenty of leaves often, ‘pruning’ the plant to stop it from flowering
early. However, if you do not need much from the plant and enjoy
seeing its flowers, you may want to take a main harvest later, when
it begins to flower.
Plants are either annual (they die each year, and you must start
over from new seeds the next spring) or perennial (they live from
year to year). Most perennials are herbaceous, which means that
they die back in the winter and then have new growth in the spring.
With annuals, you can harvest the whole plant as early as you like,
unless you want to collect your own seeds. With perennials it is
better to let some leaves remain on the plant so that it has the
13
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
power to photosynthesize (benefit from the sunlight) until it is
ready to die back for winter.
Herbs are easy enough to collect, but when it comes to storing
them, a little more thought is required. Of course you will use some
fresh and they will keep in the refrigerator for around a week, but
to store for the winter you have two main options: drying or
freezing.
Drying Herbs
If you plan to dry your herbs, don’t take small cuttings because it is
easier to deal with long stems or even whole plants. Cut stems that
are up to 10 inches long, shake off any insects and remove any
diseased leaves.
Most people dry herbs by hanging them upside down in a warm, dry,
well-ventilated area so that as much of the nutrients as possible go
to the leaves. It is best to hang them indoors so that you know they
will stay clean, and do not hang them at a window where they will
be in full sunlight.
To hang them, first remove any leaves that are attached to the
bottom 2 inches of the stem, then tie your stems together with
string or cotton sewing thread. Put each bundle into a brown paper
14
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
bag that you have cut ventilation holes into. Tie the top of the bag
around the stems, so that the ends of the stems stick out of the
bag, and use the end of the string to hang them upside down in your
chosen spot.
They can take up to 2 weeks to dry completely. It is essential to
wait until they are completely dry, because if you store them while
any moisture remains in the leaves they will go moldy.
When they are dry, you can strip the leaves off the stems for easier
storage and keep them in glass jars or whatever airtight container is
convenient for you. If you are using glass jars, choose dark glass
that will not allow the light to affect the herbs.
The second way to dry herbs is to spread them out on screens. For
most people this is less convenient. You need to be sure the air is
getting all around the leaves, and the best way to do this is to strip
the leaves off before drying, and spread them individually. So
unless you only have a tiny herb garden, you need a lot of space for
this method.
Although the plants are very distinctive while they are growing,
once they are dry it is much harder to tell one leaf from another.
Be sure to keep the plants separate so that you do not risk mixing
them up later.
15
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
While they do need to be dried in a warm environment, do not
artificially heat them to try to dry them faster (e.g. by putting them
in the oven). Even on the lowest heat setting, this will destroy some
of the essential oils.
Dried herbs will have a stronger flavor than fresh because with the
removal of water from the leaves, the essential oil becomes more
concentrated.
Freezing Herbs
Freezing is generally believed to be a better way to preserve the
essential oil in herbs, so that you have more of their wonderful
flavor and aroma.
Freezing fresh herbs is simple but unless you have a very large
freezer it needs to be done in small batches. One method to strip
the leaves off the stems and spread them out individually on a
cookie sheet or on paper, as for the screen drying method above.
This will not take long and as soon as they are frozen you can bag
them and spread out the next batch to freeze.
When you thaw the herbs, they will not look like they did when
fresh. This is because of the action of the water content inside the
16
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
leaves as it freezes and then thaws. But don’t worry, they are still
fine to use as if they were fresh.
You can also freeze them into ‘herb ice cubes’. This involves
chopping them and placing them in an ice cube tray to which you
then add water. Save the cubes and use them one by one in
cooking.
It is also possible to freeze herbs that have already been dried. This
could be good if you want to keep them for a long time, if you are
having trouble getting them completely dry, or if you do not have
any dry place to store them. However, it makes the work of drying
them a little pointless, so this is probably best used if you have
bought or been given a large quantity of dried herbs.
17
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Cooking With Herbs
If you cook at all, you know that most types of food taste better
with seasoning of some kind. This may be simple salt and pepper or
a complicated blend of herbs or spices. In fact, there is often not
much difference between a herb and a spice. The herb cilantro is
the leaves of the coriander plant whose seeds are considered a
spice, used in curries. Pepper, which we think of as a spice, also
comes from a herbal plant called Piper Nigrum, native to India.
Black, white and green pepper are all made from its berries at
different stages of ripeness.
Other herbs used frequently in cooking include oregano, sage,
rosemary, basil and parsley. Some of these are used particularly in
dishes from a certain country or region where the plant grows wild,
and these culinary uses of herbs are probably many centuries old.
Herbs, like leafy vegetables, contain virtually no calories. Although
essential oils can and are extracted from them, their fat content
when eaten in leaf or dried form is virtually nil. They give their
flavor to dishes and their medicinal properties to us in the form of
extracts and oils, and nothing else.
18
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Many people do not know that there is even a herb that can be used
to sweeten dishes instead of sugar. It is called Stevia or Sweetleaf
and it is native to South and Central America. You can buy this as a
food supplement in many countries although the FDA has not yet
accepted it as a food. Although it tastes sweet it has virtually no
calories and does not affect blood glucose levels, making it very
attractive for many diabetics as well as dieters and anyone who
prefers to avoid consuming refined sugar.
Many of the popular commercial sauces and meat marinades take
their flavor from natural herbs. Even many food additives are in fact
herbal extracts. Often these are so highly processed that any
nutritional or health properties are completely gone, but the taste
is there.
Expert cooks have two rules for the use of herbs in the kitchen:
1. A little goes a long way
2. Experiment!
Using either too many different herbs in a dish, or putting in too
much of one herb, can ruin the dish completely, resulting in either
an unpalatable mixture of tastes or an overwhelming flavor that
leaves us unable to taste the natural flavor of the food. A herb
should complete and complement the main ingredients in your
cooking, not dominate them.
19
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Experimenting with herbs in cooking can open the door to a new
world of culinary delights. Many people, when they see herbs
mentioned in a recipe, add a pinch of the dried herb from a glass
jar long past its ‘consume before’ date. Next time, why not try
using the fresh herb? It may taste like a completely different recipe!
Of course herbs can also be used to make herbal teas. The leaves
you use can be fresh, frozen or dried. Frozen leaves keep their
flavor better than dried, so when you are harvesting a whole plant,
freeze it for best preservation. Remember to divide the leaves into
small quantities so that you can easily defrost a small amount each
time.
When making herbal tea, use water that is not quite boiling. Either
boil the water and leave it to stand a few minutes before pouring
onto your leaves, or mix the boiling water with a little cold water
before adding your leaves. This way the enzymes and other sources
of goodness in the herbs are more likely to survive.
20
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Medicinal Properties Of Herbs
As we have already seen, herbs have been used for medicinal
purposes for as long as we can imagine. In 1991, two mountain
walkers in the Alps in Europe discovered the well-preserved body of
a man who turned out to be around 5,300 years old. Along with his
weapons and tools, this neolithic man (nicknamed Őtzi) was
carrying a plant that is known to have medicinal properties.
The question that springs to mind when we hear of stories like this,
is how did these people know that a certain plant would cure a
certain disease? They had no way of analyzing their scientific
properties. Trial and error is often assumed to be the answer, but
although it is easy to see how a tribe might discover poisonous
plants by trial and error, finding cures is much more difficult. With
all the plants that there are, and all the plants that would normally
have been consumed in their diets, it seems much more likely that
they had some instinctive knowledge of these matters which we,
with all our technology, have lost. Animals seem to have an
instinctive craving for certain plants when they are sick – perhaps
people were once the same.
These days, more and more people are turning to natural forms of
medicine as an alternative to commercially-produced drugs. Often
21
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
they experience effective treatment with fewer allergic reactions
and side effects than with conventional drugs.
Other times, drug manufacturers are turning to herbs to isolate the
‘active ingredients’ that will help to treat a particular disease or
condition. However, holistic herbal practitioners maintain that it is
better to use the whole essential oil than to mess with nature’s
balance by isolating ingredients and putting them into a factory-
produced tablet.
We must include a second warning here. The information in this
book is produced for your general interest and entertainment. It is
not medical advice. Medical advice can only be given by a qualified
practitioner who can assess you personally. The statements in this
book are a matter of opinion rather than fact. Many of the
described remedies are unproven and some could be dangerous for
some people. No person should use any of the herbal remedies
outlined in this book without first consulting a doctor or qualified
herbal medicine practitioner. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and
small children should not take any remedy unless it is expressly
prescribed by their doctor.
At their simplest level, herbal remedies have been used by most
every person on this earth. Who has not used plant leaves to help
relieve poison ivy or nettle rashes, taken chamomile tea to aid
22
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
sleep, or something similar? Even a morning cup of tea to help us
wake up could be described as a herbal remedy.
The effectiveness of any herbal remedy varies from person to
person depending on many individual factors including their age,
fitness, diet and general levels of health. Herbal medicine is not
‘one size fits all’.
Plants have effects, and if they are taken in certain forms they have
stronger effects. However, there is always the possibility of an
allergic reaction. This can happen with natural herbs just as it can
with foods or with certain drugstore medications. This is another
reason why it is important to see a qualified practitioner before
trying any self medication using herbs.
Having said that, herbal medicines are now immensely popular and
there are many qualified herbalists that you can consult if you are
interested in this form of treatment. Most herbal medicines are
available to buy as capsules, oils, or creams depending on their
application.
23
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Preparation Of Remedies
It is also possible to create remedies at home from herbs that are
grown in the yard. Be aware that in this case, as there is no way to
analyze the finished preparation, you cannot know how strong it is.
Unless something is safe for virtually unlimited use, this is risky.
However, where this is done, there are four main ways:
Infusion – this basically means creating a tea from your herb, where
you use the flowers or leaves. Take 1 oz of dried herbs or 2.5 oz
fresh for each pint of water. Use water that is recently boiled but
not actually boiling. Cover it so that the essential oils do not
evaporate. Leave it to stand for 10-20 minutes, then strain. Drink
warm.
Decoction – this is a way to extract herbal remedies from seeds,
roots, barks and berries. Take 1 oz of dried herb or 2 oz of fresh for
each 1.5 pints of water. Put the herb directly in cold water in a
saucepan. Bring to boiling, cover and leave simmering for one hour.
Strain and drink warm or cold.
In most cases the dose of either an infusion or a decoction would be
one cup, three times a day. Sweeten with honey if desired. The
liquids will keep in a cool place for up to 12 hours, and can be
gently reheated to be drunk warm.
24
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Poultice - the poultice is a traditional way of applying herbal
remedies that allows the ingredients to be absorbed through the
skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of the herb in powdered form with a little
hot water (or a little infusion of the same or a compatible herb) to
make a paste. Put the paste between two pieces of sterile lint or
bandage and apply to the affected area, as hot as possible without
burning.
Compress – here the lint or bandage is soaked in a lotion or tincture
containing the herb or a mixture of herbs, before being applied to
the affected area. It is difficult to regulate the dosage and this form
of application is mainly used by qualified practitioners.
25
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remedial Properties Of Each Herb
Now let us look at the best known medical properties of individual
herbs.
Agnus Castus
Helps regulate progesterone levels in women, easing menopausal
symptoms plus some menstrual problems such as breast tenderness
and menstrually-related migraines and acne. Do not use if taking
HRT. Can be combined with Black Cohosh, Sage and Feverfew as
appropriate.
Aloe Vera
Aloe gel is a wonderful skin treatment. Can be used on burns, scars,
wounds, acne, sunburn, varicose veins and ulcerated skin.
Internally, can ease gastritis, peptic ulcers and irritable bowel
syndrome.
Arnica
Arnica cream helps with bruising. Can also restore hair loss. Do not
use the cream on broken skin, do not take arnica internally (except
in tiny homeopathic doses), and never use undiluted arnica as it can
be toxic.
26
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Anise
Decoction of seeds with honey to relieve a cough.
Basil
Infusion to drink for migraines. Douche with it for yeast infection.
Pregnant women should not have any basil.
Black Cohosh
Regulates oestrogen production in women, helping with menstrual
problems such as cramps, and useful during the menopause for
reducing hot flashes and menopausal depression. Also helps with
rheumatoid arthritis, some types of headache, osteoporosis, high
blood pressure and tinnitus.
Borage
Stimulates the adrenal glands, useful in dangerous or stressful
situations and for anxiety, depression and grief, giving us the
courage to go on. Also helps with rheumatoid arthritis and acts as a
diuretic and cleanser of the kidneys.
Buchu Leaf
Works as an antiseptic in the urinary system, relieving cystitis,
thrush, prostate problems and all urinary tract diseases. Also
reduces catarrh and intestinal wind and bloating.
27
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Caraway
Regulates menstruation and helps with cramps.
Cayenne
Relieves arthritis pain. Helps regulate blood sugar.
Celery
Sedative. Relieves hypertension. Helps the kidneys to detoxify the
body.
Celery Seed
Eases arthritis pain, including osteoarthritis, and relieves gout with
regular use. Helps with urinary tract infections such as cystitis. Can
also ease chest problems such as asthma and bronchitis.
Chamomile Flowers
Mildly sedative, helping with sleep problems. It also has anti
inflammatory properties and is very useful for digestive problems
including gastro-intestinal irritation, ulcers, colitis and irritable
bowel. It can relieve cramps either related to indigestion or
menstrual cramps. It also makes the body more receptive to other
remedies, working well in combination.
28
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chickweed
It may come as a surprise to many gardeners to hear that this well-
known and rampant weed has some good qualities! Chickweed
cream can be very effective for eczema and other dry, irritated
skin, as well as minor burns, stings and scars. It also helps relieve
rheumatism.
Chicory
Dissolves gallstones. Cleans the liver.
Cilantro
Antibacterial. Relieves stomach upsets of bacterial origin. Helps to
preserve meat.
Cinnamon
Helpful for bronchitis. For persistent coughs, use 4 drops of the
essential oil in a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam.
Clove
Clove oil is a wonderful remedy for toothache. Cloves also help
against alcoholism.
29
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comfrey
This herb contains allantoin, which aids growth and healing in
cartilage, bone and muscle. It has been used to help heal fractures
and sprains for centuries. Reduces swelling. For external use only -
apply as a poultice. Comfrey can also help with acne and scars – mix
a teaspoonful of powdered comfrey root with water to make a paste
and apply it as a face pack, leaving on for as long as possible.
Cramp Bark
Useful for any kind of cramps. In the case of menstrual cramps,
start taking it a few days before menstruation is due. Also helps
with menopausal aches and pains. Can also be used to help control
the bladder in cases of incontinence or bedwetting, and for irritable
bowel syndrome.
Damiana
This Mexican herb was prized as an aphrodisiac and traditionally is
mainly used for male sexual problems including impotence and
premature ejaculation. It can also be helpful in stimulating the
reproductive organs in women and relieving menstrual pains. Also
used for depression linked to nervous exhaustion, and urinary
infections.
30
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dandelion
Dandelion leaves are used in salad in many countries. It is a great
detoxifier, helping the liver, kidneys and gallbladder to eliminate
waste. For warts, rub the wart with the white juice from a
dandelion leaf or stem twice a day for a few weeks.
Devil’s Claw
Eases the pain of arthritis and rheumatism, and persistent back
pain. Works as an anti-inflammatory, also useful for fevers.
Stimulates the digestion.
Dill
Insomnia.
Echinacea Root
Boosts the immune system, with anti-viral and anti-bacterial
effects. Good for flu, colds, throat infections, tonsillitis, and even
ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). Also for boils, tooth abscess and
acne where body toxicity is the cause.
Fennel
Bad breath.
31
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fenugreek
Soothing for the digestive system, relieving problems such as colitis,
ulcers, irritable bowel, gastro-enteritis and diarrhea. Fenugreek
also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac and the seeds are used for
male impotence in China.
Feverfew
Anti-inflammatory. Take small doses as a preventive treatment for
migraine, especially menstruation-related migraines. Also effective
for minor headaches, hangovers, and arthritic and rheumatic pain.
Garlic
Antibiotic, especially effective for bronchitis and other chest
infections. Reduces blood cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of
heart attacks. Thins the blood, helping to prevent strokes.
Antiseptic and antifungal, helpful for athlete’s foot, infectious
rashes and warts. Contraindications: may irritate the digestive tract
in some people; not to be taken by nursing mothers as it can cause
colic in the baby.
Ginger
Calms the gastro-intestinal tract, preventing travel sickness and
nausea. May be useful for morning sickness in pregnancy (check
with your doctor). Eases symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis and
whooping cough. Also thins the blood to reduce stroke risk.
32
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gingko Leaf
Aids memory and concentration by helping circulation in the brain,
particularly for seniors. Is used to treat dementia. Antidepressant,
helps to prevent strokes and thrombus, and relieves tinnitus. Taken
by many multiple sclerosis sufferers.
Ginseng (Korean)
Relieves stress. Although generally a stimulant (including reputed
aphrodisiac qualities for men) it will not prevent sleep if the body
needs it. Improves health and spirits generally, especially in old
age. Do not take with caffeine or alcohol, and do not use if you
have hypertension. Siberian Ginseng is a milder form, but still
should not be taken in these circumstances.
Golden Seal
Helpful for any problems with mucous membranes including
respiratory ailments. Eases thrush in women, and athlete’s foot.
Helps with peptic ulcers, liver problems and urinary infections, and
stimulates the appetite.
Hawthorn Berry
Used under medical supervision for coronary heart disease and
angina. Regulates blood pressure and helps stabilize irregular
heartbeat. Not to be taken without medical advice.
33
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Horseradish
Eases chest congestion. Relieves muscular aches.
Hyssop
Anti-inflammatory, widely used by asthma sufferers. Also helpful for
hay fever and for colds (at the early stages). Relieves the nerves,
preventing nervous diarrhea, and helps with nervous exhaustion,
anxiety, depression, grief and guilt.
Lavender
Lavender oil can help relieve chilblains. Add a pinch of lavender
flower to other mild herbal teas as a tonic, and to lime flower tea
for migraine.
Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Calming and cheering, lemon balm can relieve mild depression,
irritability, anxiety and panic. Can calm palpitations. Good for
digestive problems caused by stress or anxiety. Externally, helps
with herpes sores including cold sores.
Licorice
Balances the nervous system. Not to be used long term as it can
damage the liver.
34
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lime Flower
For restlessness and nausea. Also helps with insomnia and migraine.
Marigold (Calendula)
Relieves skin problems including acne, rashes, cuts and sunburn.
Essential oil can help relieve cold sores. Also helps with fungal
infections including athlete’s foot, thrush and ringworm. Can be
used for liver problems, including hepatitis.
Milk Thistle
For liver disorders, including all types of hepatitis, problems
resulting from alcohol abuse, or to assist and protect the liver
during chemotherapy (as always, discuss with your doctor). Also
useful against melancholic depression which is associated with the
liver.
Mint
There are many different species of mint. Garden mint tends to be
milder than peppermint in its effects. Relieves heartburn and
flatulence, helps stomach aches, nausea and travel sickness. Useful
for head colds and flu, sore throats, headaches and eye infections.
Antibacterial. Can help to lower a high temperature by provoking
sweating.
35
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mustard
Relieves some types of heartburn. Helps with muscle sprains.
Nutmeg
Helps with indigestion.
Oregano
Reduces fever. Relieves indigestion, flatulence and bloating. Helps
to regulate menstruation.
Parsley
High in vitamin C, but only if eaten raw. Also aids digestion, acts as
a decongestant and diuretic, helps with bad breath, and cleans the
blood.
Passiflora
A natural, non-addictive tranquilizer for anxiety, irritability,
insomnia, excitability and panic. Antispasmodic, sometimes
prescribed for convulsions, useful for hypertension, menstrual
cramps and asthma.
Raspberry Leaf
High in calcium, useful for preventing osteoporosis. Heals wounds,
relieves sore throats, canker sores and gingivitis (gum disease). For
women, can control heavy menstrual bleeding and traditionally used
36
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
in pregnancy to prevent nausea and miscarriage and relax the cervix
in preparation for childbirth (as always, discuss with your doctor).
Also good for post-natal depression.
Red Clover
Relieves eczema and psoriasis. Used in treatment of some cancers.
Rosemary
Stimulant for the heart and nervous system. Improves blood
circulation to the brain and scalp, helping with migraines, hair loss,
and to improve memory, especially for examinations. Helps with
convalescence after a serious illness and increases optimism.
Sage
For all throat and gum infections. Also for menopausal hot flashes.
Helps with irritable bowel and diarrhea. Relieves insect bites and
stings. Is said to help with failing memory in old age. A versatile
herb!
Slippery Elm
Good for digestive problems and disorders of the colon including
constipation, colitis and hemorrhoids. Also for chest infections –
colds, flu, bronchitis, pleurisy and even tuberculosis. Not to be
taken in pregnancy.
37
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
St John’s Wort
Well known as an antidepressant. Also antiviral, used to treat flu,
hepatitis and HIV. Can have side effects – only to be taken under
medical supervision.
Tarragon
Helps with insomnia and depression.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a plant native to
Australia. It has wonderful antiseptic powers and is also antifungal
and rejuvenating. Helps with all surface problems of the body
whether internal or external – problems of the skin including acne,
mouth, sinus, bronchial passages, plus ear infections and dandruff.
Thyme
Antibiotic. Helps with asthma and respiratory tract infections.
Tumeric
Antioxidant.
Valerian
Tranquilizer and sleep remedy. Helpful in panic attacks. However,
can have the side effect of causing headaches in some people.
38
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vervain
Relieves depression, especially after a viral illness like flu.
Willow Bark
The active ingredient in willow bark was extracted in the 19th
century and found to be a very effective pain reliever. It is now
produced synthetically as aspirin. Willow bark has the pain relieving
and anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin, but does not thin the
blood. Good for relieving arthritic pain.
Witch Hazel
Astringent, for external use on skin wounds, bruises and sprains.
Helps rejuvenate sagging skin.
Yarrow
Aids blood clotting, helpful for wounds and nose bleeds. Used for
some cardio-vascular conditions under medical supervision. Relieves
catarrh and other symptoms of colds and flu.
39
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. In Conclusion
Herbs grow all over the world. They are simply a category of wild
plants: the most natural form of food and medicine that we have.
They may be valued for their beauty, flavor or health-giving
properties, or they may be reviled as weeds, but we can always
appreciate their presence and their role in our natural world.
Understanding herbs can allow us to appreciate the value of having
things naturally growing all around us all of the time. We do not
think about it much, but even if we cannot eat or use it, every little
plant growing from a crack in a wall is providing us with a tiny
portion of oxygen. If we learn to be grateful for this, we can put
aside the stress of our modern world for a moment and enter
another dimension.
In the same way, having our own herb garden, or even a few plants
growing in a window, can be enlightening and calming. When you
are taking care of your plants, watering them, pruning them and
harvesting them with love and appreciation, all anxiety and stress
can melt away. The sight and scent of the natural herbs seems to
flick a relaxation switch in our mind.
Starting with a small number of herbs and gradually increasing the
size and variety of the herb garden, we can build up a beautiful,
40
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
healthy and heart-warming aspect to our homes. Mixed in with
flower beds and vegetables they bring blossom and scent to the
whole garden. As you get to know the herbs that thrive in your own
soil, and which ones you can use most of in the kitchen or for teas,
your garden will evolve and grow to give you more of the best. It is
a wonderful feeling to know that you can make fresh pesto any time
you want from basil leaves that you have grown yourself.
Once you have a stock of dried herbs, you will find yourself using
them more and more. Be inventive: while certain herbs are well
known for certain dishes, that does not stop you trying others or
experimenting by adding a small quantity of another
complementary herb or spice. You can also look out for new recipes
that include the herbs that you grow, and extend your tastes and
culinary abilities that way.
If you find yourself with a bumper crop, you can also use both fresh
and dried herbs as inexpensive gifts. Put some thought into the
selection and add pretty packaging and you will have a gift that
anyone who cooks will adore.
41
Herbs For Health And Happiness – Fitness Tips for Life
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bibliography
‘The Natural Alternative’ by Deborah Fowler. www.sproutingseeds.co.uk
‘Herb Gardening’ by Robert Sulzberger. Aura Books, 1997.
‘The Home Herbal’ by Barbara Griggs. Jill Norman & Hobhouse, 1982.
Websites For Further Reading
The Herb Society of America:
http://www.herbsociety.org/
US National Institutes of Health, herbal medicine section:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html
National Herb Garden:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/herb.html
42